Yohimbine Alpha Receptors

Just in case, let’s kick things off by eliminating any confusion about yohimbine and yohimbe. Yohimbine alkaloids are simply the active components in yohimbe. Although yohimbine is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac, it also has powerful fat burning capabilities.

In this yohimbine alpha receptors guide we’ll cover what yohimbe is, and how it interacts with alpha receptors to enhance fat burning.

Alpha and Beta Receptors

Put simply, your body has two different types of adrenergic receptors called alpha and beta.

Alpha receptors are typically found on vascular smooth muscle. These receptors secrete the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is then binds to the receptor.

Beta receptors are involved in a number of actions including cardiac output, renin secretion of the kidney and ghrelin secretion from the stomach. Additionally, beta receptors play a role in enhancing fat burning in adipose tissue.

Yohimbine Alpha Receptors

You might have heard yohimbine referred to as an adrenergic receptor antagonist at some point. This just means it acts on alpha receptors to stimulate an increase in the amount of norepinephrine in the blood stream.

Yohimbine alkaloids work by attaching to alpha receptors and exerting an inhibitory effect on it. Blocking alpha-2 receptors in this way frees up neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, which stimulates lipolysis (fat burning) by antagonizing beta receptors.

Yohimbine Side Effects

Just like any other weight loss ingredient or supplement or you will always want to check with your doctor first before using it, especially if you have any history of blood pressure issues, cardiovascular, or heart issues.

Potential yohimbine side effects include upset stomach, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. What’s more, taking high doses of yohimbine can cause extremely low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and heart problems. [1]

Yohimbine Alpha Receptors Research

One study suggests taking yohimbine before exercise boosts lipolysis by down-regulating lipoprotein lipase activity of adipocytes and increasing lipolysis in refractory gynoid fat depots.[2]

Another yohimbe study took 20 obese females following a calorie-restricted diet showed and gave them either 20 mg of yohimbe or a placebo every day for 3 weeks. Upon the study’s conclusion, the females taking yohimbe lost 3 pounds. [3]

Yohimbine for Stubborn Fat Loss

Keep in mind that yohimbine, like any other supplement is meant to assist your weight loss efforts. This means that you should be doing everything in your power to eat healthy and follow an exercise program to maximize yohimbine’s fat burning effects.

As the study above suggests, it might be most beneficial to take yohimbine prior to exercise to enhance fat burning during your workout. Because yohimbine has side effects if too much is consumed, be sure to accurately check the supplement label for the proper dosage procedure.